Hydroplane board and a method of personal hydroplaning

ABSTRACT

A hydroplane board is a circular board member which is placed in very shallow water and launched by the user with a shove of their foot. The user walks, jogs, or runs and jumps onto the moving board inducing hydroplaning. The user may jump off, simultaneously accelerating a slowing board, and then jump back on, thus indefinitely extending the hydroplane action.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] Not Applicable.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

[0002] Not Applicable.

REFERENCE TO COMPACT DISK APPENDIX

[0003] Not Applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The present invention relates to a hydroplane board and a method of personal hydroplaning.

[0005] Traditional forms of hydroplane boards, also know as skimboards, involve spin-offs of surfboards. These boards have defined forward ends, sides and tails. Some are optimized for sliding down steep beach slopes with the outgoing tide and then transitioning into shore break wave riding or tricks. These wave riders have relatively thick rails and greater floatation ability suitable for maintaining buoyancy with the user in deeper water, and for maneuvering (surfing) on the small waves at the shore.

[0006] Other styles, also with defined forward ends, sides and tails, have very thin side rails. However, these boards are really cheap copies of the traditional boards discussed above, and do not perform well at either skimming or surfing.

[0007] Both kinds of boards require the user to throw the board, keeping the correct orientation, and jump onto the board before friction causes it to detour from the selected course or slew out of the desired orientation. At the conclusion of each attempt to ride, the user must pick up the board, re-orient, and start over.

[0008] This results in a very difficult sport for novices. It is very hard to maintain orientation of the board on the throw, and very difficult to mount the board before it changes orientation after the throw. Timing, balance, and maneuvering on the board are made difficult by the steep nature of the beach, if using the shore break models. Throws down steep beaches become all or nothing attempts with contusions, minor and severe, the consequences of an error.

[0009] Timing, balance, and maneuvering are made difficult by the narrow nature of rails if using the skinny models. The defined forward end and tails require the user to be proficient in order to be able to hydroplane on one of these boards. One throw, whether a ride is achieved or not and the user must pick up the board and return to start over. All of this make the existing experience less than satisfying for all but the expert, and make it difficult and time consuming to become an expert at hydroplaning.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] It is the object of the present invention to provide a new hydroplane board and a new method of hydroplaning.

[0011] More particularly, it is the object of the present invention to contribute to the sport of hydroplaning (skim boarding) by providing a device that offers optimal efficiency in terms of overall performance, safety of use, ease of use especially for novices, and radically extends the length and quality of a given hydroplane ride. The present invention is not a shore break surfboard and is unsuitable for this use.

[0012] The present invention comprises a circular board with slightly positive buoyancy. The bottom side of the board has a very low co-efficient of friction, and the top of the board is treated to have a high co-efficient of friction. The rails of the circular board are approximately ⅝-¾ inch thick and are smoothly curved from the smaller diameter bottom side to the larger diameter top side. The center of the topside is clearly marked as a reference for the user.

[0013] Hydroplaning with the present invention is naturally induced by the momentum and weight of the user onto the moving, but only slightly buoyant board. Efficiency is provided by the curvature of the rails which minimize forward friction especially during the initial contact of the user with the board. Efficiency is further enhanced by the round rails which reduce friction and allow continued forward motion even if some amount of slewing or radial motion is also present.

[0014] When the hydroplane board is designed and a method of hydroplaning is performed in accordance with the present invention, the user starts the board from within shallow water with a push of their foot. In addition, the user can hold the board in a given starting position against the force of current and tide by spinning it in place until optimal hydroplane conditions are obtained. This enables the user to exert much less effort in the course of using the board in comparison to having to pick it up, return to a start location, throw it and then jump on it.

[0015] When the hydroplane board is designed and a method of hydroplaning is performed in accordance with the present invention, the present invention permits the user to extend indefinitely the length of the hydroplane ride by repeatedly jumping off and back on. By jumping off, the present invention may be accelerated and the user may then remount the board. The circular nature of the board is unique to this invention and is a key feature which permits this mew method of hydroplaning.

[0016] When the hydroplane board is designed and a method of hydroplaning is performed in accordance with the present invention, the present invention is simple to learn and easy to master, and relatively safe to use. The circular nature of the board, along with the sloping rails from the smaller bottom side to the large top side make this board inherently stable for the hydroplane action. A novice user simply starts off with slower and shorter rides. However, all or nothing attempts at mounting are not required in order to achieve a good ride. Even if radial forces are added during a ride, a novice user may continue to hydroplane without expecting immediate, negative consequences. If deep water or waves are encountered, the board slows and sinks, without any accompanying radical change in motion. An experienced user can obtain significant speeds and lengthy hydroplane rides.

[0017] When the hydroplane board is designed and a method of hydroplaning is performed in accordance with the present invention, the present invention is simple to learn and easy to master, and relatively safe to use. Varying the overall diameter of the board, without changing the specific design details identified herein, make the present invention suitable to a wide range of users of all heights and weights and expertise.

[0018] The user enters the shallow water of the ocean or a lake. Ideally, the water should be less than ½ inch deep with an even bottom underneath. The board is placed in the water and floated. If necessary, the board can be spun round with the foot to hold it in position against the forces of tide and current while optimal conditions are obtained.

[0019] When optimal conditions are obtained, the user pushes the invention with their foot in the desired direction. The user follows behind and jumps onto the hydroplane board, exerting their forward momentum and downward mass simultaneously onto the board. The center mark of the board is used as a focal point for the user such that the center of mass of the user is located slightly to the rear of this reference point, in a direct line with the desired direction of travel. Hydroplaning is immediately induced, normally at a speed much greater than the prior speed of either the board or the user prior to the user mounting the board.

[0020] When the board slows, or as desired by the user, the user may jump off of the board, simultaneously accelerating it in the direction opposite the dismount. The user may then follow behind and jump back onto the hydroplane board. In this fashion, an experienced user may indefinitely extend the length of their ride.

[0021] If deeper water or waves are encountered, the board will naturally slow and sink. Alternatively, the user may stop and dismount the board at any time by simply moving their center of mass backwards or forwards on the board and causing the leading or trailing edge to dig in.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] The inventions itself, both as to its construction and its method of operation, together with additional objects and advantages thereof, will be best understood from the following description of specific embodiments when read in connection with the accompanying drawings:

[0023]FIG. 1 shows a top plan view of the present invention. The diameter should be adjusted between 24 and 40 inches, to be optimal for the given user.

[0024]FIG. 2 shows a bottom plan view of the present invention. The flat portion of the bottom side is approximately 2 inches in diameter less than the top side diameter.

[0025]FIG. 3 shows a side plan view of the present invention. The smooth curve from the smaller bottom side to the larger top side is the key feature of this figure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0026] A hydroplane board in accordance with the present invention is circular. The top and bottom sides are flat. The side rails are smoothly curved from smaller bottom side to the larger top side. The prototype model of the present invention here described measures 33½ inches in diameter on the top surface, 31½ inches in diameter on the bottom surface, and is ⅝ inches thick. The overall diameter of the invention should be adjusted to accommodate the size and ability of the user. FIGS. 1, 2, and 3 show the present invention in different views.

[0027] The prototype model of the present invention was manufactured out of ⅝ inch plywood, coated with enamel paint and several coats of marine quality varnish.

[0028] The prototype model of the present invention uses surfboard wax on the top surface to provide a high co-efficient of friction for the user. The bottom surface uses multiple coats of marine varnish to provide a low co-efficient of friction. However, other materials and methods may also be utilized.

[0029] A hydroplane board in accordance with the present invention is buoyant in water by itself. However, if a user were to stand upon it, it will be forced to the bottom. This property optimizes the hydroplane action.

[0030] A hydroplane board in accordance with the present invention is circular and has smoothly curved side rails from the smaller bottom side to the larger top side. This is a key property which optimizes the hydroplane action by minimizing the water friction against the board. These properties of the present invention also permit the user to spin the board in place against the forces of current or tide while awaiting optimal launch conditions. These properties of the present invention also permit the user to launch the board with their foot from within the water, and to dismount and remount the board repeatedly, without stopping or picking up the board. There are no other hydroplane boards or skimboards which currently use these properties or methods.

[0031] While the invention has been illustrated and describe as embodied in hydroplane board and method of hydroplaning, it is not intended to be limited to the details shown, since various modifications and structural changes may be made without departing in any way from the spirit of the present invention.

[0032] Without further analysis, the foregoing will so fully reveal the gist of the present invention that others can readily adapt it or modify it, without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics of this invention. The present embodiments are therefore to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the invention being indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description, and all changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalence of the claims are therefore to be intended to be embraced therein. 

What is claimed as new and desired to be protected by Letters Patent is set forth in the following claims:
 1. A hydroplane board, comprising a circular board member having no defined front, rear, left or right sides such that it can be launched from any orientation and ridden in any direction.
 2. A hydroplane board as defined in claim 1, wherein said board member has a depth of approximately ¾ inch from top side to bottom side with uniform side rails shaped in a smooth curve from the bottom to the top side such that the top side diameter is approximately 2 inches greater than the bottom side diameter. This shaping reduces friction with the water and provides lifting action with forward motion of the board and thereby promotes the hydroplaning action.
 3. A hydroplane board as defined in claim 1 and 2 wherein the bottom of the board is flat and made of a material with a low co-efficient of friction. This may be as simple as polyurethane on wood, or as complex as a low friction composite material.
 4. A hydroplane board as defined in claim 1 and 2 wherein the top of the board is flat and made of a material with a high co-efficient of friction. This may be as simple as the application of polyethylene (surfboard wax) on wood, or application of rubber strips, or other means to provide stability and grip for the feet of the user.
 5. A hydroplane board as defined in claim 1 and 2 wherein the overall perimeter of the board is sized based upon the size and weight and experience of the user in order to provide optimal hydroplaning.
 6. A hydroplane board as defined in claim 1 wherein the board in marked to identify the exact center on the top side of the board as an aid to the user. Center markings can take the form of labels, or decals or trademarks, so long as they are placed in the exact center on the top side of the board.
 7. A hydroplane board a defined in claim 1 and 2 wherein said board is composed of a material which has a buoyancy selected such that by itself in water, the board floats, but that when a user stands on said board in still water, said board sinks.
 8. A method of personal hydroplaning, using a hydroplane board as defined in claims 1 through 7, and comprised of placing said board in very shallow water with a flat surface underneath. Said board is pushed with the foot to instill forward motion. The user walks, jogs, or runs and jumps onto said board, placing his center of gravity slightly to the rear of the center of the board. The moving mass of the user exerts a forward momentum on the board accelerating the existing forward motion, while at the same time; the weight of the user exerts a downward force on the board overcoming the natural flotation ability of the board. As a result, hydroplaning is induced. This method of launching is unique to said board.
 9. A method of personal hydroplaning, using a hydroplane board as defined in claims 1 through 7, wherein the user leaves the board floating in the water when awaiting use. The user spins the board with their foot holding the floating board in place with centripetal force, to resist tidal movements and small wave actions. This is done until optimal launch conditions are obtained and/or the user is ready to launch as defined in claim
 8. This method of setting up for launch is unique to said board.
 10. A method of personal hydroplaning, using a hydroplane board as defined in claims 1 through 7, wherein the user leaves the board floating in the water when awaiting use. The user spins the board with their foot to prevent the buildup of surface tension between a wet sand bottom and the bottom side of the board in extreme low water conditions. This is done until optimal launch conditions are obtained and/or the user is ready to launch as defined in claim
 8. This method of setting up for launch is unique to said board.
 11. A method of personal hydroplaning, using a hydroplane board as defined in claims 1 through 7, wherein the user may indefinitely extend the hydroplane action by dismounting and remounting. This is done after a normal launch and mount as defined in claim
 8. The user may then jump off of said board as it slows, simultaneously shoving it and accelerating it with their feet in the direction opposite of their dismount. The user may then remount the board as defined in claim
 8. This method may be repeated indefinitely depending solely upon conditions and the expertise of the user. This method of hydroplaning is unique to said board. 